Content transmission apparatus

ABSTRACT

A content transmission apparatus is disclosed which promotes distribution of contents over a network and thereby affords better convenience to those who wish to sell and buy the contents. The apparatus is implemented typically as a video camera provided beforehand with an access account from a server apparatus. The content transmission apparatus is equipped with abilities to encode contents in a streaming format for upload and to connect communicably with the server receiving what is uploaded. These features allow the user of the content transmission apparatus easily to upload the content generated thereby to the server without going through complicated steps to sign up with an ISP; to prepare a personal computer, a modem and other hardware; or to make elaborate settings and establish connection with the server. Therefore, uploading of contents is promoted. The server apparatus presents uploaded contents illustratively at its website to solicit potential buyers extensively for the presented contents.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a content transmission apparatus.

BACKGROUND

A growing need is recognized today for the distribution of diverse kindsof contents such as picture data picked up by video cameras orspecifically created music data through network communication means likethe Internet.

Illustratively, a free-lance video journalist who has picked up scooppictures of an accident or an event using a video camera at the site maywish to sell the picture content to TV stations or like outlets. In sucha case, the journalist may solicit prospective buyers of the contentover the Internet and, once the conditions for sale are met, mayconveniently transmit the data over the network to those who have agreedto purchase the content.

The TV stations and the like which are always on the lookout forvaluable pictures would also find it convenient to solicit promisingpicture contents over the Internet if a suitable setup were implementedto make the contents available with ease.

The above needs might be met conventionally by establishing an Internetserver that handles contents. The server would solicit content uploadsfrom the general public over the Internet and disclose the uploadedcontents in order to seek their potential buyers.

With the needs thus met, the server would be expected to promote contentdistribution in society.

In practice, however, such a conventional server system can hardly beexpected to facilitate the distribution of contents. There are a numberof reasons:

To make the server system socially useful requires that diverse andnumerous contents be uploaded to the server. Potential content buyerssuch as TV stations will not find the server system attractive unlessthe system offers contents of high quality in large quantities.

On the other hand, content sellers such as video journalists inpossession of potentially valuable contents will find the uploadingsteps difficult or troublesome to carry out.

The upload procedure generally takes place as follows: where a picturecontent is to be sent over the Internet, the content output of the videocamera is first connected to a video capture board installed in apersonal computer (PC). The connection allows the content data to beinput to the PC.

The input content data are then encoded in a streaming format. With thePC gaining access to the Internet, the encoded content data are uploadedfrom the PC to the server.

Where a dedicated Internet line is not available, it is necessary tocontract beforehand with an Internet service provider (ISP) to have anInternet connection account established therewith. Obviously theconnection service provided by the ISP must be paid for.

Under these circumstances, those who wish to upload their contents areconfronted with the following difficulties:

The upload is possible only if they have the necessary means such as apersonal computer and communication equipment (e.g., modem) in anenvironment where the encoding of content data for streaming and theaccess to the Internet are readily available. These are almostinsurmountable hurdles to the person possessing a picture content thatmust be sold as fast as possible to TV stations or like outlets beforethe commercial value of the content diminishes over time, such as scooppictures of an unforeseen accident or incident picked up at the site.When on-site upload cannot be made, the content seller must seek otheravenues of marketing the content. In other words, video journalists andother prospective content sellers can scarcely be motivated to uploadtheir pictures to the server.

Where there are few uploads of scoops or other valuable pictures thatdeserve instant attention, the TV stations and other potential contentbuyers cannot find the server-based content procurement serviceattractive.

The upload procedure requires installing an elaborate hardwareenvironment such as the one outlined above. The procedure also involvescontracting beforehand with an ISP and paying for the services renderedthereby.

There are other obstacles: connecting the video camera with the personalcomputer and carrying out the necessary uploading steps can be quitedifficult for anyone who wants to send up contents. Such things can bedone only by those who have already contracted with the ISP and who arefamiliar with the ways of PCs and network communications.

For these reasons, video journalists as well as ordinary people whohappen to have picked up scoop pictures with their video cameras maywish to sell the content in their possession but are discouraged to doso through conventional uploads to the server. As a result, the numberof contents uploaded to such content-offering servers is not expected tobecome large enough to merit serious consideration.

The server systems, if implemented as outlined above, would remainmarginal in their contribution to promoting the distribution of contentsin society.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a typical configuration of acontent providing system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of contents flowing through an ISPaccording to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a video camera according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing how the ISP is structured according tothe invention;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a customer registration databaseaccording to the invention;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a group of data files regardingcontents accumulated in the ISP according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of steps performed by a content providingsystem practiced as a first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of steps performed by a video cameraaccording to the invention;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a content structure according to theinvention;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view indicating how a content is editedaccording to the invention;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of steps in which a video camera connects to aserver according to the invention;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of steps for requesting a connection to the ISPaccording to the invention;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of steps in which the ISP of the first embodimentreceives a content;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view depicting how the ISP of the firstembodiment presents contents;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of information offered by the ISP of thefirst embodiment for determining the credibility of content sellers;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view of steps performed by a content providingsystem practiced as a second embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of steps in which the ISP of the secondembodiment receives a content; and

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view of steps performed by a content providingsystem practiced as a third embodiment of this invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of this invention will now be described. Theembodiments will include a video camera as a content transmissionapparatus and an ISP (Internet service provider) as a server apparatus.The video camera and the ISP constitute the so-called content providingsystem of this invention.

<A> First Embodiment

1. Configuration of the Content Providing System

A content providing system practiced as the first embodiment of theinvention involves connecting a video camera with a software system (forInternet connection service, website administration, etc.), the videocamera serving as a content transmission apparatus capable of generatingand transmitting picture contents. As such, the system is intended topromote the distribution of picture contents over the Internet whileimplementing an accounting business by which distributed contents areduly billed and paid for.

FIG. 1 shows a typical configuration of a prototypical content providingsystem according to the invention.

The system is made of a video camera 1 as a content transmissionapparatus having a communicable connection to an ISP 2 over a network 3formed by the Internet.

The ISP 2 has two functions. That is, the ISP 2 acts as both a contentserver 2A and a Web server 2B.

The network 3 is constituted by an analog public telephone network, adigital public telephone network such as ISDN (Integrated ServiceDigital Network), and/or satellite communication links. Although thevideo camera 1 could be wired to the network 2, it is preferred that thevideo camera 2 be connected to the network 2 wirelessly.

The video camera 1 is used by a video journalist or any other personintent on selling picked-up picture contents. From the viewpoint of theISP 2, the content-selling users are generically called the customer Ahereunder.

A TV station 4 and an individual 5 illustratively representorganizations, institutions and individuals who wish to purchase picturecontents. From the viewpoint of the ISP 2, these content buyers aregenerically called the customer B hereunder.

The video camera 1 is capable of processing signals for distributingpicture contents over the Internet and of connecting to the Internet.

More specifically, the video camera 1 has capabilities to act as astreaming encoder for encoding the obtained picture content in anInternet-ready format such as Real format, Windows Media format, QuickTime format, MPEG2 format, or MPEG4 format; and to serve as acommunication unit (e.g., modem and Ethernet interface) connecting tothe network 3. The units constituting the streaming encoder andcommunication unit may be either built in the video camera 1, orfurnished as an enclosure independent of the camera body and connectableto the video camera 1 on a wired or wireless basis.

In addition to generating and outputting picture contents, the videocamera 1 may also accommodate a recording medium such as a disc or asemiconductor memory. Such storage media, if incorporated, allow thepicked-up content to be edited and processed within the video camera 1before being uploaded to the ISP 2.

Furthermore, the video camera 1 is characterized in that it is furnishedbeforehand with an access account for connecting to the Internet (i.e.,before the camera is handed over to the customer A as the user, such asbefore shipment from the factory).

The company manufacturing or marketing the video camera 1 either runs anISP operation of its own or contracts with another company acting as anISP. The manufacturing or marketing company provides each video camera 1it manufactures or sells with an access account for connecting to theInternet.

In other words, when the customer A (e.g., video journalist) purchasesthe video camera 1, the camera is already capable of gaining access tothe Internet. There is no need for the customer A to contract anew withthe ISP 2 to acquire an access account. Although it is necessary for theuser of the video camera 2 to register as the customer A for purpose ofmanagement by the ISP 2, that can be done easily by the customer Aeither returning an attached postcard with his or her address, name andother information written on it, or transmitting the information thefirst time the customer A logs on to the ISP 2 after the purchase.

Using an already-furnished access account, the customer A may uploadpicture contents to the ISP 2.

In this case, the ISP 2 may preferably provide the connection free ofcharge or at a lower rate than usual.

When the video camera 1 is offered together with its previously-providedaccess account under a preferential rate schedule, the customer A isbetter motivated to upload picture contents than before. This helpsincrease the amount of picture contents that may be distributed over theInternet.

The ISP 2, either run or contracted by the manufacturer/distributor ofthe video camera 1, operates a website (Web server 2B) designed forpicture content distribution.

The customer A uploads the acquired picture content to the contentserver 2A linked to that website.

Uploaded contents are accumulated in the content server 2A and arepresented to the general public by the Web server 2B whereby potentialcontent buyers are solicited. The ISP 2 charges those buying any of thepresented contents (i.e., customer B) with a fee.

As shown in FIG. 2, contents are first uploaded by the customer A to thecontent server 2A for storage therein. The contents stored in thecontent server 2A are presented to the public by the Web server 2B. Thecustomer B browsing through the Web server 2B may wish to purchase oneof the contents being presented. On request, the content in question istransmitted to the customer B.

In a typical application, video journalists use the video camera 1 andthe mass media utilize the contents presented by the ISP 2. Morespecifically, scoop pictures and other contents picked up by videojournalists are collected and presented by the Web server 2B. The TVstation 4 and other entities periodically monitoring such presentationsmay detect a content of interest and purchase it as a picture source.

In another application, a content-auctioning system may be offered to aplurality of prospective buyers.

The TV station 4 pays the video journalist for the price of the picturecontent and the ISP 2 for a commission. Alternatively, the ISP 2 maycontract beforehand with the TV station 4 and others on the website usescovering commissions and other necessary fees. The TV station 4 benefitsfrom the purchased contents if they earn high ratings when broadcast.

The content providing system of this embodiment thus serves to benefitthe two sides: the system supports the content-uploading customerfinancially using readily accessible system arrangements so as toincrease the amount of contents being distributed, and the systemprovides the content-buying customer with desired contents for acommission.

The ISP 2 collects in advance user information about the video camera 1from the customer A and stores the collected information in a customerregistration database. When the customer A accesses the ISP using thevideo camera 1, the information about the customer A is instantlyreferenced. The user information about the customer A is composed of theentries made in the returned postcard or transmitted electronically uponpurchase of the video camera 1 by the customer for registration with theISP 2.

Typically, the customer A's user information is personal informationsuch as name, age, contact addresses (telephone number, e-mail address,geographical address, etc.), and other information obtained uponregistration.

The user information on each customer is stored in the customerregistration database in association with ID information (IP address,etc.), a password, and other necessary information based on the accessaccount attached to the video camera 1 of the customer in question.

As will be discussed later, the customer registration database is usefulin presenting information for guiding the customer B toward the suitablecontents uploaded, in managing history information, and in helping thesystem perform steps to improve its reliability.

The Web server 2B may be established to offer diverse kinds of websitesdepending on the purpose. Illustratively, a video journalist site (VJsite) may be set up to permit the above-described selling and buying ofscoop pictures. In this case, the customer A is a video journalist orany other person who happens to have picked up valuable pictures. Thecustomer B is typically the mass media wishing to purchase picturecontents from the website and broadcast them as their own sources. Thiskind of Web server will be discussed in connection with the first andsecond embodiments of this invention.

In another application, an IR information site may be set up using theWeb server 2B. In this case, the customer A may be corporationsparticularly sensitive to the ups and downs of their own company stockprices, and the customer B may be investors. The website may allow thecustomer A to provide the customer B with timely information regardingstock prices. This kind of Web server will be discussed in connectionwith the third embodiment of the invention.

In any case, the customer B is expected to access the site willinglybecause of an indirect benefit obtained therefrom. This makes itpossible for the proprietor of the ISP 2 to run an accounting businesscharging the customer B for the service rendered.

The customer B may be either the general public or a certain category ofpeople.

In terms of hardware, the customer B need only acquire a communicationterminal (e.g., computer terminal) capable of gaining access to the Webserver 2B.

If the customer B as the purchaser of contents in this system is invitedfrom among the general public, then the Web server 2B is structured topermit access by anyone wishing to browse through the presented contentsfor something to buy.

In some cases, the customer B may be restricted to a certain group ofpeople or entities depending on the types and nature of the contentsoffered by this system (e.g., journalistic contents only). In suchcases, the customer B may preferably be limited to specificorganizations such as those of the mass media. It may also be desired torestrict the category of the customer B out of consideration forimproving the reliability of the system, e.g., in order to preventillegal access aimed at content falsification or other hackingactivities.

A scheme for restricting the customer category may be implemented byasking all customers B to register with the system and granting thempasswords or other suitable identifying means for establishing theirright to access.

2. Structure of the Video Camera

FIG. 3 shows a typical structure of the video camera 1 serving as thecontent transmission apparatus of this embodiment.

In FIG. 3, a system controller 11 is made of a microcomputer thatcontrols the video camera 1 in its entirety. The components undercontrol of the system controller 11 are outlined below together with adescription of their operations controlled thereby.

A camera unit 12 is designed to take pictures. It includes a pickup unit13, a pickup signal processing unit 14 and a camera controller 15.

The pickup unit 13 includes three major blocks: a lens block including apickup lens and a lens stop; a driving block for driving the lens blockin automatic focusing and zooming operations; and a CCD (charge coupleddevice) that detects the light picked up by the lens block and subjectsthe acquired light to photoelectric conversion to generate a pickupsignal.

The pickup signal processing unit 14 includes a sample-and-hold/AGC(automatic gain control) circuit that subjects the signal from the CCDin the camera unit 12 to gain control and waveform shaping, and a videoA/D converter. These components combine to generate digital picture databy way of the pickup operation.

The camera controller 15 under the orders of the system controller 11controls the pickup unit 13 and pickup signal processing unit 14 intheir operations. Illustratively, the camera controller 15 controls (themotors of) the pickup unit 13 in automatic focusing, automatic exposure,lens stop-down, and zooming operations.

The camera controller 15 further includes a timing generator thatgenerates timing signals by which to control in signal processing theCCD as well as the sample-and-hold/AGC circuit and video A/D converterinside the pickup signal processing unit 14.

The camera unit 12 generates pickup picture data using theabove-described components. Although not shown, a microphone and anaudio signal processing block are also included in the camera unit 12whereby audio data may be generated in synchronism with the pickuppicture data.

A recording/reproduction unit 16 is designed to record the pickuppicture data obtained by the camera unit 12 to a storage medium aspicture contents and to reproduce the stored data from the medium.

The recording/reproduction unit 16 includes an MPEG codec unit 17, ahard disc drive (HDD) 18, and a recording/reproduction controller 19.

Although the HDD is shown here as the typical storage medium, this isnot limitative of the invention. Alternatively, the storage medium maybe any one of diverse kinds of memories: an optical disc, amagneto-optical disc or a magnetic tape; or a memory card or othersolid-state memory.

The MPEG codec unit 17 compresses the pickup image data acquired by thecamera unit 12 using an MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) method(e.g., MPEG2), and also compresses picked-up audio data using an MPEGaudio method.

The compressing steps help to generate MPEG picture contents in variouspacket formats, to be described later.

Although data compression is shown to be performed illustratively usingMPEG methods, this is not limitative of the invention. Other suitablecompression methods may be adopted instead.

It is also possible to write picture contents yet to becompression-encoded to the HDD 18 or to upload the uncompressed contentsto the ISP.

The HDD 18 records MPEG picture contents generated by the MPEG codecunit 17 and other related information to hard discs.

The recording/reproduction controller 19 under the orders of the systemcontroller 11 controls the MPEG codec unit 17 and HDD 18 in write, read,and data I/O operations.

The MPEG codec unit 17 is ordered to generate the above-mentioned MPEGpicture contents and to offer various kinds of information to beinserted as meta data into picture contents.

The HDD 18 is ordered to write and read picture contents and other datato and from the hard discs.

Furthermore, the recording/reproduction controller 19 allows picturecontents to be edited under the orders of the system controller 11.

Pickup picture data obtained by the camera unit 12 and picture contentsrecorded on the HDD 18 may be displayed on a view finder (VF) 31 and aliquid-crystal display (LCD) 29.

In pickup mode or in standby mode, the camera unit 12 may output pickuppicture data to one or both of a view finder (VF) driver 30 and an LCDdriver 28.

Given orders from the system controller 11, the view finder driver 30and LCD driver 28 cause the view finder 31 and LCD 29 to display thepickup picture data respectively. The drivers may also cause characterimages to appear in superposed relation to the display as instructed bythe system controller 11.

A picture content reproduced from the HDD 18 is decompressed by the MPEGcodec unit 17 into picture data. The decompressed picture data are fedto one or both of the view finder driver 30 and LCD driver 28. Inkeeping with the orders from the system controller 11, the view finderdriver 30 and LCD driver 28 display the supplied picture data on theview finder 31 and LCD 29 together with any character images that may beordered in superposed relation to the display.

Looking at the view finder 31 and/or the LCD 29, the user is then ableto monitor pictures in standby or pickup mode for verification, to checkwhat has been picked up, and to edit the acquired pictures as needed.

A streaming encoder 20 and a communication unit 21 are provided toupload-contents from the video camera 1 to the ISP 2.

The streaming encoder 20 encodes picture contents in an Internet-readystreaming format, such as Real format, Windows Media format, Quick Timeformat, MPEG2 format, or MPEG4 format.

The communication unit 21 is formed illustratively by a modem, anEthernet interface, and a mobile telephone interface for communicationover the Internet.

A target content stored on the HDD 18 is uploaded as follows: thecontent of interest is first retrieved from the HDD 18 and encoded bythe streaming encoder 20. The encoded content is then uploaded throughthe communication unit 21 to the ISP 2.

Although the streaming encoder 20 is shown as a single processing blockin FIG. 3, this does not necessarily mean that the encoder isimplemented as a hardware device. Alternatively, the system controller11 may encode contents for streaming purposes by carrying outsoftware-based encoding steps.

In FIG. 3, the streaming encoder 20 and communication unit 21 are shownenclosed by broken lines. These components may be either built in thevideo camera 1 or attached externally to the video camera 1.

Illustratively, the streaming encoder 20 and communication unit 21 areformed into an adapter unit that may be attached to the video camera 1to permit uploading of contents. As another alternative, a unitincluding the streaming encoder 20 and communication unit 21 may beeither wired or connected wirelessly (in a LAN setup) to the videocamera 1.

As another obvious alternative, the streaming encoder 20 and thecommunication unit 21 may each be connected as an independent unit tothe video camera 1.

A ROM 22, a RAM 23 and a flash memory 24 are used by the systemcontroller 11 as a storage area in which to hold necessary data andprograms or as a work area in which to perform operations.

For example, the ROM 22 stores processing programs and fixed data foruse by the system controller 11. The RAM 23 is used as an area fortemporarily accommodating data or as a work area. The flash memory 24retains various control parameters.

As mentioned above, the video camera 1 of this embodiment is providedbeforehand with an access account from the ISP 2. ID informationconstituting the access account is stored in the flash memory 24.Illustratively, this ID information is written to the memory before thevideo camera 1 is shipped from the factory (or before being marketed).

The access account includes a password furnished in association with theID. In some cases, the password may be placed either in advance or bythe user's operation into the flash memory 24.

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the ISP 2 may also be writtenbeforehand to the flash memory 24.

A clock unit 25 generates the current time of day (in terms of the year,month, day, hours, minutes, and seconds). In pickup mode, the currenttime information generated by the clock unit 25 is supplied from thesystem controller 11 to the recording/reproduction controller 19 wherebythe information is inserted illustratively into data packets making upan MPEG picture content. In other words, the current time information isgiven as information about the date and time at which a given picturecontent was generated.

A GPS (Global Positioning System) unit 26 includes a GPS antenna and aGPS decoder by which to obtain GPS-based current position information.The GPS antenna receives GPS signals, and the GPS decoder decodes thereceived signals to output latitude and longitude data constituting thecurrent position information. In pickup mode, this position informationis supplied from the system controller 11 to the recording/reproductioncontroller 19 whereby the information is inserted illustratively intodata packets making up an MPEG picture content. In other words, thecurrent position information is given as information about the locationat which a given picture content was generated.

An operation unit 27 includes various control keys which the user maymanipulate to operate the video camera 1. These keys are operated tocontrol power supply, picture pickup, reproduction, zooming, modeswitchover, editing, and upload operations.

The system controller 11 detects the User's key operations and ensuresthat these operations are implemented by the relevant components.

The operation unit 27 allows the user to input text. By utilizing a textinput function of the operation unit 27, the user may illustrativelyenter a comment about the picked-up content. When the comment is input,the system controller 11 transfers the text data to therecording/reproduction controller 19 as data constituting a singlecomment file. The recording/reproduction controller 19 generates thecomment file and writes it to the HDD 18 in association with theapplicable content.

Whereas the operation unit 27 permits text input and editing, there mayalso be provided an interface which is based on USB, IEEE or othersuitable standards and through which external equipment (e.g., personalcomputer) is connected. The user may enter text or edit the input textby operating such external equipment.

A power supply unit 32 illustratively includes a DC/DC converter thatsupplies the component circuits with required levels of supply voltageby either tapping a DC source from internal batteries or utilizing a DCsource derived from a commercial AC power supply via a power supplyadapter. The activation and deactivation of the supply voltages from thepower supply unit 32 are controlled by the system controller 11 inresponse to the key operations on the operation unit 27.

3. Structure of the ISP and the Database

FIG. 4 shows a typical structure of the ISP 2.

The ISP 2 has a control unit 41, a communication unit 42, a dataprocessing unit 43, and a database unit 44.

The communication unit 42 conducts communications over the network 3.

The data processing unit 43 performs various processes on contentsuploaded from the video camera 1 connected illustratively through thecommunication unit 42. As will be discussed later in more detail, thedata processing unit 43 extracts added data from contents, generateslow-quality short-time preview data using content data, and generatestitle data.

The database unit 44 accommodates a customer registration database,contents, and diverse kinds of information attached to the contents.

The control unit 41 controls the communication unit 42 in communicatingoperations, the data processing unit 43 in processing operations, andthe database unit 44 in data management, data storage and retrievaloperations.

The control unit 41 also carries out processes allowing the ISP 2 tofunction as the content server 2A and Web server 2B.

The content server 2A and Web server 2B need not be implemented in asingle hardware block. These servers need only be linked together overthe network 3. In other words, the setup of FIG. 4 may be structured soas to implement at least the function of the content server 2A alone;the Web server 2B may be implemented in another hardware structure.

The customer registration database held in the database unit 44 isstructured internally as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 schematically indicates how a single database file is structuredin the customer registration database.

A database file refers to a group of data about one video camera 1employed by a given user.

Each database file is given a registration number in conjunction withaccess account data allotted to the video camera 1 in questionbeforehand. The access account data include an ID and a passwordassigned to the video camera 1. In addition to the ID, the accessaccount of each video camera 1 may be registered illustratively inassociation with a manufacture number and a manufacturer code applicableto the video camera in question.

The database file contains personal information on the user (customer A)such as address, name, age, sex, nationality, e-mail address, andtelephone number reported by postcard or through an electronicconnection to the ISP 2 following the purchase of the video camera 1.

The database file also includes payment information. If any contentuploaded by the customer A through this system is purchased by thecustomer B, the payment information such as a bank account number isused to let the customer B make a corresponding payment to the customerA.

Basically, the personal information outlined above is registeredimmediately after purchase of the video camera. Later, a history of thecustomer A may be stored additionally as needed.

Illustratively, an upload history including the number of uploads, datesand times of uploads, and types and sizes of uploaded contents may beaccumulated. A selling/buying history may also be accumulated coveringthe dates and times of content selling/buying deals concluded or notconcluded, contents sold and bought, amounts paid, and names of buyers.

Any feedback such as comments from the buyer (customer B) may also beaccumulated.

Where the credibility of contents is determined, the determination maybe accumulated as the buyers' credibility information derived fromevaluation of the contents.

When the customer A uploads a content, the uploaded content is enteredinto the database unit 44. FIG. 6 schematically shows a typicalstructure of a data file prepared for the uploaded content.

Following the content transmission from the video camera 1, the dataprocessing unit 43 extracts data that were added as meta data to thecontent. A comment data file may also be transmitted along with thecontent.

By extracting the added data and comment file from the content, the dataprocessing unit 43 generates a data file made up of content attachmentdata corresponding to the content in question.

The content attachment data are linked through management data to thecontent data before being stored into the database unit 44.

The data processing unit 43 generates low-quality preview data as partof a given content, such as picture data lasting about several to tensof seconds expressing the beginning of the picture content. The previewdata are also linked through the management data to the content databefore being stored into the database unit 44.

The data processing unit 43 further generates a thumbnail image usingpart of a picture content such as a picture frame at the beginning ofthe content or by use of a picture frame designated by designationinformation (i.e., cue data, to be described later) as added data. Theunit 43 also generates text information based on the added data orcomment file and presents the generated text as title data. The titledata are also linked through the management data to the content databefore being stored into the database unit 44.

In other words, each content is entered into the database unit 44 orother suitable storage device in linked relation to the applicablepreview data, title data, and content attachment data by way of themanagement data regarding the content data in question.

The management data allow each content to be managed in linked relationto a single database file in the customer registration database. Thatis, each content is linked to the customer A who uploaded the content inquestion.

The management data may be constituted either by header data of thecontent data or by a file separate from the content data.

The management data are used to manage the links of data files to thecontent data and the links of the files to the customer registrationdatabase. Management information about the content data themselves isalso recorded as part of the management data. For example, every time acontent is uploaded, the data size of the content is recorded. It isalso possible additionally to record a selling/buying history and otherrelevant history information about each content.

The structure in FIG. 6 is shown only as a schematic example of how agroup of files is arranged corresponding to one content. These files maybe stored in any suitable manner.

Illustratively, a content database, a preview database, a titledatabase, and a content attachment database may be establishedseparately, each database being tapped for a single file linked to agiven content. Obviously, these databases need not to be accommodatedaltogether in the single database unit 44.

As another alternative, the group of files shown in FIG. 6 may be formedinto a single database file to be stored in a database.

As yet another alternative, content data and preview data may begenerated and stored by the content server 2A, with title data generatedby the Web server 2B in linked relation to the applicable content data.

4. Steps of System Operation

Described below with reference to FIG. 7 is how the content providingsystem of this embodiment works as a whole. The description of theworkings of the system is followed by a more detailed description of thesteps in which the video camera 1 picks up pictures and uploads thepicture content, and the steps in which the ISP 2 receives an uploadedcontent and presents the uploaded content at its website.

FIG. 7 separately shows the steps performed by the video camera 1 ownedby the customer A, the steps carried out by the ISP 2, and the stepsconducted by the customer B (e.g., at a computer terminal).

Steps S1, S2 and S3 are the steps performed by the video camera 1 (ownedby the customer A) from the time that it starts picking up picturesuntil the picked-up content is uploaded.

The customer A first picks up pictures using the video camera 1 (in stepS1). This step applies illustratively when a video journalist takespictures of the site of an incident. In this step, the video camera 1generates a single picture content.

The acquired picture content recorded to the HDD 18 may be edited by thevideo camera 1 (in step S2). For example, the stored content issubjected to cut editing whereby a picture content of an appropriatelength is created.

The customer A uploads the as-acquired or the edited content to the ISP2 (in step S3). The upload is accomplished by the video camera 1 havingthe structure of FIG. 3, i.e., without recourse to any other device(e.g., personal computer). Specifically, the customer A first connectsto the Internet using the Internet access account assigned to the videocamera 1. With the connection established, the customer A uploads thepicture content to the ISP 2.

When a connection request is made from the video camera 1, the ISP 2establishes the connection and receives the uploaded content (in stepS4).

As described above, the content server 2A holds the customer informationabout the customer A in the customer registration database. With theconnection established, the ISP 2 automatically identifies the customerA based on the access account found in the request, and links theinformation about the content contributor (customer A) to the uploadedpicture content for storage in the database unit 44 (in step S5).

The uploaded content is later disclosed by the Web server 2B at itswebsite. Prior to the disclosure, the ISP 2 automatically takes steps tofacilitate presentation of the content and forestall illegal uses of thedisclosed data.

Preview data of the content are first generated (in step S6). Thepreview data are intended to introduce the outline of the content. Assuch, the preview data are derived illustratively from part of thecontent in question. In order to prevent their fraudulent uses, thepreview data are deliberately reduced in resolution or in picture size.The preview data thus generated are linked to the uploaded contentbefore being stored into the database unit 44. That is, the ISP 2retains two kinds of content: the original high-quality picture content,and low-quality preview data content.

The ISP 2 (content server 2A or Web server 2B) generates title data byattaching a content ID and time information to the content (in step S7).The title data may be text data including customer information retrievedfrom the customer registration database, time and position informationextracted from the uploaded content, and comment information. As part ofthe title data, a still picture (so-called thumbnail image) is alsogenerated by extracting a single frame from the content.

With the title data generated, the Web server 2B presents the contentusing the title data at the website. That is, the content is presentedas available data to the public (i.e., to those authorized to access)(in step S8).

The customer B such as a TV station gains access to the Web server 2B asneeded and browses the presented contents (i.e., thumbnail images andintroductions as title data of contents). If the customer B's attentionis attracted by the title of any content at the website, the customer Bclicks on the title so as to preview the picture content (in step S9).

The click causes the ISP 2 to display the linked preview data in awebsite screen.

The customer B browsing the title data or the preview data may decide topurchase the content in question. In that case, the customer B transmitsthe desire to buy the content to the ISP 2 (in step S13).Illustratively, the willingness to purchase the content is reported bydesignating the applicable content ID presented at the website.

Before the purchase, the customer B can verify the credibility of anycontent disclosed at the website. The verification is made by thecustomer B inquiring about the content attachment information by whichto determine the credibility of the content of interest (in step S10).

In response, the ISP 2 transmits the content attachment information tothe customer B (in step S11). The transmitted information includes timeand position information about the scenes making up the content, and acomment made by the contributor (customer A) of the content.

The content attachment information may be provided either by the Webserver 2B at its website or by means of e-mail.

Given the content attachment information, the customer B determineswhether or not the content in question is credible (in step S12). Thedetermination may be made either by software in the customer B'sterminal automatically determining the credibility of a given contentbased on its pickup time and location, or by the customer B himself orherself based on the content attachment information received.

Once the decision is made to purchase the content, the customer Bdesignates the applicable content ID and transmits the desire topurchase that content to the ISP 2 (in step S13).

Simultaneously with (or subsequent to) transmission of the willingnessto buy the content, the customer B reports a desired price for thatcontent.

Upon receipt of the customer B's desire to purchase the content, the ISPmediates negotiations between the customer A and the customer B (in stepS14). Illustratively, an administrator of the ISP 2 forwards, by e-mailor telephone, the proposed price to the video journalist who uploadedthe content in question. The deal concludes when the both parties haveagreed about the price. There can be diverse ways in which to supportthe bargaining between the seller and the buyer. For example, the ISP 2may arrange for the customer A and customer B to negotiate directly witheach other.

When a deal is concluded between the buyer and the seller, the ISP 2transmits the high-quality picture content from its storage to thecustomer B (in step S15). The customer B receives the transmittedcontent for use in, for example, broadcast (in step S16).

The customer B pays the price and a commission for the contentpurchased. That is, the customer B makes an agreed-upon payment to thecustomer A (e.g., video journalist) for the content and disburses thecommission to the ISP 2. The commission may be a predeterminedpercentage of the price of the purchased content. The administrator ofthe ISP 2 receives the commission (in step S18), and the customer Areceives the payment for the content sold (in step S19).

The payments are made illustratively through electronic transfersbetween bank accounts, by direct payment into bank accounts, or bymailed checks.

In the case of a direct payment by the customer B to the customer A, thecustomer B may acquire from the ISP 2 the customer A's bank accountnumber, address, name and other relevant information (i.e., informationstored in the customer registration database) preparatory to thepayment.

Payments to the customer A may be mediated by the ISP 2. That is, thecustomer B may pay the ISP 2 a combined sum of the price for thepurchased content and of the commission related with it. Of thedisbursed amount, the payment for the content is forwarded to thecustomer A by the ISP 2, illustratively by electronic transfer to thecustomer A's bank account registered with the customer registrationdatabase.

The customer B may evaluate the purchased content and transmitevaluation data to the ISP 2 (in step S20). The ISP 2 writes theevaluation data to the customer registration database as part of thecustomer A's history data. As more and more evaluation data areaccumulated on each customer A, the ISP 2 can evaluate the degree ofeach customer A's reliability thereby. The accumulated evaluation datamay also be used as a basis for determining the credibility of any newcontent contributed by each customer A.

The basic workings of the inventive system take place as outlined above.Supplementary steps may also be carried out by the system to handleadditional processes.

Illustratively, if a plurality of potential buyers wish to purchase thesame content, an auction could be held by the system over the network.

The above-described steps S1 through S3 in which the video camera 1picks up pictures until it uploads the picture content will now bediscussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 8 through 11.

FIG. 8 shows steps J1 through J7 detailing the pickup step S1, editingstep S2, and server connecting/uploading step S3.

In the pickup step J1, the customer A takes a video clip (an integralvideo-and-audio content) using the video camera 1. In pickup mode, thepickup picture data (and audio data) obtained by the camera unit 12 areencoded by the MPEG codec unit 17 into MPEG picture data (from step J1to step S2). The encoded data are recorded to the HDD 18 (from step J2to step J3).

During the pickup, the recording/reproduction controller 19 is suppliedwith current time information (in year, month, day, hours, minutes andseconds) obtained by the clock unit 25 and with current positioninformation (in longitude and latitude) acquired by the GPS unit 26. Theinformation thus supplied is inserted into an MPEG data stream.

FIG. 9 depicts a typical structure of MPEG data.

As illustrated, MPEG data are headed by a header followed by videopackets, audio packets and data packets. In other words, MPEG data arecomposed of synchronously multiplexed video, audio and data packets.

The picture and audio data picked up by the camera unit 12 aremultiplexed synchronously when encoded by the MPEG codec unit 17.

The data packets are capable of accommodating diverse kinds ofinformation as meta data other than the pictures and sounds. The metadata include the following:

Pickup Position Information

The GPS unit 26 built in (or connected to) the video camera 1automatically records information about the location (in longitude andlatitude) where the pickup takes place.

Current Time Information

A clock (clock unit 25) built in the video camera 1 automaticallyrecords the current time of day in effect during the pickup. If a radiosignal-based clock is utilized, it is possible to record universallyaccurate time stamps.

Time Code

Control time information and frame information linked to the picked-upvideo and audio data are automatically recorded.

Cue Point Information

A time code of a scene (one frame) deemed to represent the entire videoclick is recorded as a cue point. The content contributor may designatea desired position (frame) as a representative scene by suitablymanipulating the operation unit 27. Where no frame is designated by thecontributor, the first frame of the video clip may be automaticallyselected as the cue point.

Mark-In/Mark-Out Information

The first frame (called a mark-in point) and the last frame (called amark-out point) of a really needed portion in the video clip can berecorded. These points are designated where desired (i.e., in terms offrames) by the content contributor manipulating the operation unit 27.If no points are designated by the contributor, the first and the lastframes of the video clip may be automatically designated as the mark-inand the mark-out points, respectively.

The cue point information and the mark-in/mark-out information are addedduring editing after the pickup of pictures. As such, these items ofinformation may alternatively be furnished in a separate file instead ofbeing multiplexed with data packets.

During the pickup, the time information from the clock unit 25 and theposition information from the GPS unit 26 are fed to therecording/reproduction controller 19. These items of information areinserted into the MPEG content as data packets.

If in pickup mode the content contributor manipulates the operation unit27 to designate a cue point, the cue point information is also suppliedto the recording/reproduction controller 19. The supplied information isinserted into a data packet by the controller 19.

The picture data encoded in MPEG format are thus supplemented with thetime and position information as data packets as described. Theresulting data are recorded as a picture content to the HDD 18.

The picture content generated in the pickup step S1 of FIG. 7(corresponding to steps J1, J2 and J3 in FIG. 8) may be subjected to theediting step S2 inside the video camera 1. Step S2 divides into anediting step J4 and a comment file generating step J5 in FIG. 8.

In the editing step J4, the user's editing operations performed with theoperation unit 27 are translated into adding mark-in/mark-outinformation and cue information to the content. That is, these items ofinformation are added to the data packets described above.

A typical editing process is shown schematically in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

FIG. 10( a) indicates a single content that has been picked up, encodedin MPEG format, and recorded to the HDD 18. Time codes are also includedin the figure. It is assumed that this content is a 20-minute contentdefined by the time codes ranging from “00:00:00:00” (in hours, minutes,seconds, frames) to “00:20:00:00.” A scene refers to a segment ofcontent delimited by pauses (temporary stoppage) during the pickup.

This content is made up of five scenes #1 through #5.

The user inputs mark-in/mark-out information while viewing thereproduced content illustratively on the LCD 29. FIG. 10( a) shows thatthree segments of the content are furnished with mark-in/mark-outinformation.

Where mark-in points (IN) and mark-out points (OUT) are designated asillustrated, the recording/reproduction controller 19 adds themark-in/mark-out information to the frames corresponding to thedesignated points. In practice, the frame numbers representing themark-in and mark-out points are recorded to the data packets.

When the mark-in/mark-out information is added as indicated in FIG. 10(a), only the segments designated by the information can be reproduced asshown in FIG. 10( b). Illustratively, the original 20-minute content isreduced through editing into a content about 10 minutes long in FIG. 10(b).

The cue point information may be set either in pickup mode or in editmode. In edit mode, the user viewing the reproduced content selects arepresentative picture and designates the cue point correspondingly. Inturn, the recording/reproduction controller 19 records the frame numberdenoting the cue point to the data packet.

Apart from the editing of the picture content, it is possible togenerate a comment file corresponding to the content in question (in thecomment file generating step J5).

Specifically, the user manipulates the operation unit 27 to input asuitable comment in text. The system controller 11 andrecording/reproduction controller 19 then turn the input textinformation into a comment file and records the file to the HDD 18 inassociation with the content in question.

Although the comment file is described here as a file separate from thecontent, this is not limitative of the invention. Alternatively, thetext information as a comment may be written to data packets.

As another alternative, apart from the text input as a comment, otheradditional data may be formed into a file associated with the content ofinterest.

The user as the customer A can upload to the ISP 2 two kinds of content:the content held on the HDD 18 as acquired, or a subsequently editedcontent.

By manipulating the operation unit 27, the user designates the content,establishes connection with the ISP 2, and performs an upload operation.Specifically, the content held on the HDD 18 (along with any commentfile corresponding to that content) is encoded in a stream encoding stepJ6. The encoded content is transmitted from the communication unit 21(in step J7).

Before the content is actually uploaded in steps J6 and J7, certainprocesses need to be carried out between the video camera 1 and the ISP2 so as to establish the connection therebetween. On the part of thevideo camera 1, the previously allotted access account is used toestablish communication with the ISP 2.

FIG. 11 shows the process for establishing communication performed bythe system controller 11.

In step F101, the system controller 11 detects operations made by theuser on the operation unit 27 in order to connect the video camera 1 tothe Internet for access to the ISP 2. Upon detection of the user'soperations, the system controller 11 goes to step F102 and requests theuser to enter a password, illustratively by displaying a password promptmessage on the LCD 29. This password is one which is assigned to thevideo camera 1 in advance as part of the access account along with theID.

When the user's entry of the password is detected in step F103, stepF104 is reached.

It is not necessary to prompt the user to input the password every timeconnection is to be established. For example, if the user has takensteps to retain the input password, the password may be stored in theflash memory 24 or in other suitable location. This allows the storedpassword to be later retrieved as needed, and there is no further needfor the user to make the password entry.

The system controller 11 then reads the ID from the flash memory 24.This ID is part of the access account (called the camera ID hereunder)assigned to the video camera 1.

In step F105, the system controller 11 causes the communication unit 21to perform a communication operation. Specifically, the systemcontroller 11 sends a connection request to the ISP 2 through thecommunication unit 21 using the camera ID and the password.

As will be discussed later with reference to FIG. 12, the ISP 2 inservicing the connection request verifies the transmitted ID andpassword. In case of a mismatch, the ISP 2 returns the error messageand/or forcibly terminates its processing.

If an error message is returned in response to the connection requestmade in step F105, the system controller 11 goes from step F106 to stepF107 and displays the error message text on the LCD 29 together with aprompt message suggesting steps for the user to take. The systemcontroller 11 then goes back to step F102. For example, the promptmessage indicates the input of an incorrect password and urges the userto reenter the password.

If the ISP 2 forcibly terminates its connection process in response tothe connection request sent in step F105, the system controller 11 goesfrom step F108 to step F111 and ends the processing as a result of aconnection error.

When the ISP 2 permits access in response to the connection requesttransmitted in step F105, the system controller 11 goes from step F109to step F110, establishes communication with the ISP 2, and reaches anupload executable state.

When in step F111 the system controller 11 detects the user havingdesignated a content and performed upload operations, the systemcontroller 11 goes to step F112 and uploads the designated content.Specifically, the controller 11 retrieves the content from the HDD 18and performs the stream encoding step J6 and transmitting step J7 on theretrieved content.

At this point, the system controller 11 also transmits any comment filethat may exist on the HDD 18 in association with the content inquestion.

If the content held on the HDD 18 has been edited with mark-in/mark-outinformation, then the content will later be reproduced as an editedvideo stream reflecting the mark-in/mark-out information. Suchreproduction is carried out in the stream encoding step J6 andtransmitting step J7.

FIG. 12 shows the steps performed by the control unit 41 of the ISP 2when a connection request is received from the video camera 1.

These are detailed steps constituting the connecting step S4 in FIG. 7.

In step F201, the control unit 41 receives a connection request from thevideo camera 1 together with a camera ID and a password. In step F202,the control unit 41 checks to see if the received camera ID and passwordare correct. Specifically, a check is made to see if the ID and passwordmatch the previously assigned ID-and-password combination as the accessaccount.

In case of a mismatch, step F203 is reached. In step F203, a check ismade to see if this matching attempt is prior to a third attempt. Ifthat is the case, then step F204 is reached in which a message is sentto the video camera 1 saying that the ID or password is not correct.

On the side of the video camera 1, steps F106 and F107 in FIG. 11 arecarried out. That is, the user again inputs the password, and the ID andthe reentered password are transmitted. In response, the control unit 41again performs the matching in step F202.

If no match is obtained at a third or subsequent matching attempt instep F203, then step F205 is reached and the processing is forciblyterminated. In this case, the video camera 1 ends its operation in errorin step F108 of FIG. 11.

If a match is confirmed in step F202, the control unit 41 goes to stepF206. In step F206, the control unit 41 checks to see if the IDtransmitted as part of the access account is one assigned in advance tothe video camera 1.

Whereas this embodiment of the invention presupposes that each videocamera 1 is assigned an access account beforehand and that the user whobought the video camera 1 automatically obtains the access account withthe ISP 2, there obviously exist other users who have acquired theiraccess accounts from the ISP 2 through a regular sign-up procedure.These are the cases where the users, not the video cameras or likeequipment, are in possession of the access accounts.

The check in step F206 is a process for determining whether theconnection request is received from a regular user or from the user ofthe video camera 1. When checked, the ID reveals itself to have beenassigned either to a video camera or to a user, since all IDs areobviously managed by the ISP 2.

If the ID indicates that the connection request comes from a regularuser, step F209 is reached. The connection is then established at aregular rate in step F209, and this connection process is terminated instep F210.

In this case, the uploading of a content as discussed in conjunctionwith this inventive system is not carried out. Subsequent steps areperformed according to the contract with the user; an upload could bemade if so permitted under the contract.

If the ID indicates that the connection request is from the video camera1 furnished with an access account in advance, then the control unit 41goes to step F207. In this case, the connection is established at areduced rate (or free of charge), an upload is permitted, and theconnection process is terminated (in step F208).

Thereafter, the video camera 1 carries out step F110 and subsequentsteps in FIG. 11 to upload the content.

With the content thus uploaded, the ISP 2 starts a content receptionprocess.

This is a process that corresponds to steps S4 through S8 in FIG. 7,that is, the steps constituting the process ranging from the receipt ofthe content to the disclosure of the received content at the website.

FIG. 13 describes the above-mentioned processing.

Upon receipt of the content from the video camera 1, the control unit 41of the ISP 2 goes to step F230 in FIG. 13. In step F230, the controlunit 41 of the IPS 2 checks the camera ID of the transmitting videocamera 1 (i.e., ID as part of the access account) against the customerregistration database to determine the applicable contributorinformation. That is, the customer A is identified. The received contentis linked to a database file identified in the customer registrationdatabase before being stored into the database unit 44.

In step F231, preview data are generated. More specifically, the controlunit 41 generates the preview data by causing the data processing unit43 to take partial (or the entire) picture data from the content datathat were received and stored and to subject the data thus taken to alow-quality or small-size picture data generation process. The previewdata thus generated are linked to the original content data before beingstored into the database unit 44.

In step F232, the control unit 41 extracts meta data that were attachedto the content data as data packets, and links the extracted data suchas current time and position information to the content data as contentattachment data that are then stored into the database unit 44.

In step F233, the text information constituting the comment file sentfrom the video camera 1 is also stored as content attachment data intothe database unit 44.

In steps F234 through F238, the control unit 41 generates title data.

In step F234, the control unit 41 checks to see if the received contentincludes cue point information.

If the cue point information is determined included, step F235 isreached. In step F235, the control unit 41 extracts the framecorresponding to the cue point information and causes the dataprocessing unit 43 to generate a thumbnail image using the extractedframe.

If no cue point information is determined included in the content, stepF236 is reached. In step F236, the control unit 41 extracts the firstframe of the content and causes the data processing unit 43 to generatea thumbnail image based on the extracted first frame.

In step F237, the control unit 41 generates text information forreference purposes based on the time information, position informationand comment information stored as the content attachment data, as wellas on the information held in the linked database file in the customerregistration database. The text information thus generated and thethumbnail image created earlier are presented as title data. The titledata are linked to the content data before being stored into thedatabase unit 44 or other suitable storage means.

In step F238, the title data are linked to the preview data. This is aprocess that allows those who browse title data to view the preview dataof desired title data when the title data are disclosed at the websiteof the Web server 2B.

The steps above generate the group of files shown in FIG. 6 with regardto the uploaded content. These files are handed over to the databaseunit 44 or to other suitable storage means and placed under control ofthe ISP 2.

These steps complete the processing leading up to step S7 in FIG. 7. Thetitle data are then disclosed by the Web server 2B and potential buyersare solicited.

Contents are presented by the Web server 2B on a website screen such asone shown in FIG. 14.

On this screen, various contents that can be purchased are presentedtogether with their titles M based on the title data. Specifically, eachcontent is introduced to potential buyers by use of a thumbnail image TNand text information TX such as introductory remarks.

The customer B such as a TV station may access the Web server 2B, browsethe screen, and check to see if there is any content that may be ofinterest to the TV station.

If the customer B wants to know more about a given content, the customerB may illustratively click on the corresponding thumbnail image TN ortext information TX displayed as the title. The click causes the linkedpreview data to be displayed for scrutiny.

If the customer B decides to purchase the content, then steps S13through S21 in FIG. 7 are carried out as described above, whereby thecontent in question is sold and delivered to the buyer.

In FIG. 7, the customer B can verify the credibility of the content insteps S10, S11 and S12.

In step S10, the customer B inquires about the content attachmentinformation about the content. In response, the ISP 2 transmits thecontent attachment information to the customer B in step S11.

The content attachment information is made up of stored details such asthose shown in FIG. 15.

As shown in FIG. 15, the content attachment information illustrativelycontains comment information sent as a comment file, as well as positionand time information in effect at the time of the picture pickup. Alsoincluded is the content contributor's information retrieved from thelinked database file in the customer registration database. The contentcontributor's information may include the contributor's name and ahistory of past contributions stored in the database file in question.

The items of information such as those shown in FIG. 15 are transmittedby the ISP 2 to the customer B as the content attachment information.The customer B may check the transmitted information before decidingwhether or not to purchase the content.

For example, the contributor's comment shown in FIG. 15 says that theincident occurred in Hokkaido. However, part of the scenes of thecontent (corresponding to time codes 01:00:02:13 through 01:00:03:04)includes GPS information pointing to a Kyushu location. Thecorresponding scene has a time stamp different from that of the otherscenes. Moreover, the contributor's transaction history indicates twoout of the past three contributions were evaluated as NG.

With these pieces of information taken into consideration, the contentin question is determined to be low in credibility. The determinationmay prompt the customer B to refrain from purchasing the content.

If representing illustratively a TV station, the customer B is obligatedto ascertain that the content to be bought is genuine and free offraudulent compositions or manipulations (except for the simple editingof cuts such as those shown in FIG. 10), since the content will beeventually broadcast to the general public.

Thus it is very useful and convenient for the customer B to be offeredthe content attachment information prior to purchase of any content andto be able to verify the credibility of the content in question.Offering such information to potential buyers also helps increase thereliability of this system embodying the invention.

The ISP 2, for its part, can make effective use of the meta data andcomment files included in contents, as well as other informationtransmitted from the video camera 1.

How a content is determined for credibility was discussed above withreference to FIG. 15. As has been implied, the determination on contentcredibility is based on the following factors:

Discontinuity of Position Information within the Same Content

If pictures are taken while the camera is on the move, the GPSinformation should change on a geographically continuous basis. Ifpictures are taken while the camera is at a fixed location, the GPSinformation should remain the same throughout the scenes of the content.Where a single content includes GPS data pointing to a plurality ofremote locations, that means the content may have been editeddeliberately to fabricate certain pictures of an accident or incident.

Inconsistency of Time Information within the Same Content

A single content made of the pictures of an accident or incident mayturn out to have a time stamp different from that of the actual accidentor may include temporally far-fetched pictures. If that is the case,fraudulent editing is suspected.

Mismatch Between Comment and Position Information

It might happen that an incident occurred in Hokkaido and that thecustomer A took pictures of it and uploaded the picture content. In sucha case, the customer A is expected to make a comment such as “The ***case in Hokkaido.” If the geographical name in a comment fails to matchthe GPS information in the corresponding content, then the content issuspected to be fraudulent.

Mismatch Between Comment and Time Information

It might happen that the date and time of a comment do not match thoseof the content. In that case, as with the unmatched GPS information, thecontent is suspected to be fraudulent.

Determination Based on the Customer A's History Information

In step S20 of FIG. 7, each content buyer transmits evaluation dataafter the purchase. In step S21, the ISP 2 enters into the customerregistration database the evaluation data as the customer A's historyinformation. Other history information about the customer A, such as thenumber of uploaded content contributions, the nature of the pastcontributed contents, and information about the support forselling/buying negotiations involving the customer A, is also storedinto the customer registration database. These items of information areretained as the customer A's history information (except for the detailsdeemed private) in the customer registration database. Of these items,the evaluation data and the number of contributions are illustrativelyused as a basis for determining the credibility of each content.

Taking the above factors into account helps the customer B determine thecredibility of a given content before deciding whether or not to buy it.

Although the final decision about whether or not to purchase the contentis made personally by the customer B upon receiving and scrutinizing thecontent attachment information, the handling of certain data items couldbe automated. For example, the continuity of position information andthe match or mismatch of time information can be verified in a fairlyautomatic manner. Illustratively, the ISP 2 may provide the customer B'sterminal with credibility determination software for automaticallydetermining the credibility of some of the items of content attachmentinformation transmitted.

Although the determination about content credibility is important withregard to the journalistic pictures covering incidents, events andaccidents, that is not necessarily the case with pictures in otherfields. For example, pictures for entertainment or documentary purposesmay not be regarded as fraudulent when composed or otherwise processed.

Given such specificities, the content attachment information presentedby the inventive system for credibility determination should servemerely as a basis on which the customer B makes his or her ownsubjective determination.

Operating as described above, the system of this embodiment providesbenefits to the three parties involved: customer A, ISP 2, and customerB. In so doing, the system promotes distribution of picture contents andthereby offers more convenience to society.

The customer A, using the video camera 1, is able to upload contentswithout going through tiresome sign-up procedures. Because the videocamera 1 itself permits the picture content to be edited, encoded instreaming format, and transmitted to a connected server, there is noneed for further hardware such as a personal computer for uploading. Itis extremely easy for the customer A to upload a given contentimmediately after taking pictures for example. The connection of thevideo camera 1 to the ISP 2 is provided free of charge or at a reducedrate. Needless to say, the ISP 2 takes charge of soliciting a wide rangeof potential buyers for the presented contents.

These benefits make this embodiment a valuable system for the customer Awho is thereby encouraged to upload more contents.

Promoting the uploading of contents as described above, the ISP 2 offersa wider assortment of the presented contents than before and thusprovides a socially useful content distribution service. That service,among others, brings a further profit to the ISP 2.

For the customer B, this embodiment is a system for readily obtainingnecessary picture contents. The system is particularly useful for thecustomer B looking out for the journalistic pictures that require prompthandling. With appropriate measures taken for the customer B todetermine the credibility of a given content, the customer B can make awiser, more prudent determination than before on the purchase of thecontent.

<B> Second Embodiment

A content providing system practiced as the second embodiment of theinvention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. Thesecond embodiment is basically the same in structure as the firstembodiment, so that only the differences between the two embodimentswill be discussed hereunder.

The second embodiment is characterized in that the credibility ofcontents is determined by the ISP 2.

FIG. 16 schematically shows the steps performed by the content providingsystem practiced as the second embodiment of this invention. As opposedto the corresponding steps in FIG. 7, a credibility determining step S30and an NG processing step S31 in FIG. 16 are carried out by the ISP 2.The credibility determining step of the second embodiment eliminates theneed for steps S10, S11 and S12 in FIG. 7 performed by the customer Bfor credibility determination.

The remaining steps S1 through S9 and S13 through S21 in FIG. 16 are thesame as those in FIG. 7 and thus will not be described further.

When the video camera 1 uploads a content, the ISP 2 stores the uploadedcontent into the database unit 44 in step S4. After the ISP 2 identifiesthe customer A who uploaded the content by referencing the customerregistration database in step S5, the ISP 2 carries out the credibilitydetermining process (S5).

If the content is determined credible, the ISP 2 creates preview data instep S6, generates title data in step S7, and has the Web server 2Bpresent the content at its website in step S8. Thereafter, when thecustomer B browsing the website wishes to purchase the content inquestion, the ISP 2 supports negotiations between the buyer and theseller, allows the content to be delivered, and takes care of thebillings involved, all in the same manner as with the first embodiment.

If the content is determined not very credible, the ISP 2 goes to stepS31 for NG processing. The details of NG processing may be diverse, aswill be discussed later.

FIG. 17 shows a detailed process performed by the ISP 2 in steps S4, S5,S30, S6, S7, S8 and S31.

Upon receipt of a content from the video camera 1, the control unit 41of the ISP 2 reaches step F250 in FIG. 16 and checks the camera ID ofthe video camera 1 (i.e., ID as part of the access account) against thecustomer registration database in order to determine the informationabout the content contributor (i.e., customer A). The received contentis linked to a database file identified in the customer registrationdatabase before being stores into the database unit 44.

In step F251, the control unit 41 extracts meta data that were added tothe content data as data packets, and stores the extracted data such astime and position information to the database unit 44 as contentattachment data linked to the content data in question.

In step S252, the control unit 41 stores into the database unit 44 textinformation constituting a comment file sent from the video camera 1.The text information forms an additional part of the same contentattachment data.

With such added data items extracted, the control unit 41 goes to stepF253 for a credibility determining process.

As discussed above in conjunction with the first embodiment, thecredibility of a given content is determined on the basis of thecontinuity of position information, the consistency of time information,the coincidence of comment details with position and time information,and the customer A's history information.

The actual processing is carried out either automatically by the controlunit 41, or in semi-automated fashion by the control unit 1 incollaboration with an operator at the ISP 2.

In the semi-automated processing, the control unit 41 illustrativelypresents the operator with information such as that shown in FIG. 15based on the above-described additional information extracted. Forexample, the ISP 2 displays or prints the information on a display unitor on a printer (not shown in FIG. 4). If the operator's terminal isremotely located, the information may be transmitted to that terminalfor output.

Given the information, the operator determines the credibility of thecontent in a comprehensive manner and inputs an order “OK” or “NG” intothe control unit 41. The control unit 41 process that input as theresult of the determination.

The result of the operator's determination need not be binary (either OKor NG). The determination on credibility may be rated at one of three ormore levels or in percentage points. The determination may alternativelybe input in the form of a comment in text about the doubts or questionsregarding the content in question.

The automated processing may be carried out by the control unit 41operating on, for example, numerically interpretable factors. Forexample, the control unit 41 may perform steps to determine thecontinuity of position information and the consistency of timeinformation before passing the determination of OK or NG on contentcredibility. In this case, too, the determination may be rated at one ofthree or more levels or in percentage points. Depending on the result ofits operations, the control unit 41 may alternatively pick up the dataelements deemed inappropriate and thereby offer information suggestingillustratively the absence of positional continuity.

How to obtain the result of credibility determination may be determineddepending on the type of NG processing, to be described later.

If in step F253 the credibility of the content is determined to be NG,step F255 is reached via step F254. In step S255, NG processing (i.e.,step S31 in FIG. 16) is carried out.

If in step F253 the credibility of the content is determined to be OK,step F256 is reached via step F254. In step F256, preview data aregenerated. Specifically, the control unit 41 takes partial (or theentire) picture data from the content data that were received and storedand subjects the data thus taken to a low-quality or small-size picturedata generation process by the data processing unit 43. The preview datathus generated are linked to the original content data before beingstored into the database unit 44.

The control unit 41 goes on to steps F234 through F238 to generate titledata.

These steps, functionally identical to their counterparts in FIG. 17,are designated by like reference numerals and thus will not be describedfurther.

With the processing finished up to step F238, the uploaded content isfurnished with the group of files shown in FIG. 6 before being handedover to the database unit 44 or to other suitable storage device andplaced under management of the ISP 2. This completes the processing ofup to step S7 in FIG. 16. The title data thus generated are disclosed bythe Web server 2B at its website and potential buyers are solicited.

With regard to the NG processing step F255 representing step S31 in FIG.16, there can be two methods by which to execute the step depending onwhether the content determined not credible is submitted to the Webserver 2B for disclosure.

On the one hand, the content determined NG may simply be barred fromdisclosure by the Web server 2B.

In this case, the NG processing step at step F253 is reached only ifthere is a high possibility that the content is not credible.

The content barred from disclosure is deleted from the database unit 44,and/or the customer A who uploaded the content in question is notifiedof the decision not to disclose the content.

As another alternative, the NG determination is stored as part of thecustomer A's history in the customer registration database. When thenumber of NG determination exceeds a predetermined level, the customer Amay be given a warning.

On the other hand, the content deemed NG may still be disclosed by theWeb server 2B at its website.

In this case, step F256 and subsequent steps are carried out to generatepreview data and title data for disclosure by the Web server 2B.Illustratively, the title data are arranged to contain information aboutthe result of the credibility determination so that the final decisionto buy or not to buy the content is up to the customer B.

Specifically, the binary determination (either OK or NG), thecredibility rated at one of three or more levels or in percentagepoints, or other evaluations may be disclosed as part of the title dataat the website.

In determining whether or not to purchase a given content, the customerB can check the accompanying credibility evaluation information whilereading the comment about the content.

If the content is submitted to the Web server 2B for disclosureaccording to the second method above, steps S10 through S12 in FIG. 7discussed in connection with the first embodiment may be carried out.That is, the ISP 2 may transmit, on the customer B's request, relevantinformation that allows the customer B to make determination on thecredibility of a given content.

As described, the second embodiment improves the reliability of thesystem by enabling the ISP 2 to determine the credibility of contents.The second embodiment also helps prevent the customer B frominadvertently purchasing fraudulent contents.

As discussed in connection with the first embodiment, it is notnecessary for certain categories of contents to be determined forcredibility. It is thus preferred that the processing of credibilitydetermination be limited illustratively to the contents handled by theWeb servers 2B dealing solely in the distribution of journalisticcontents.

<C> Third Embodiment

A content providing system practiced as the third embodiment of theinvention will now be described with reference to FIG. 18.

In the third embodiment, the ISP 2 functions as a so-called IRinformation website. Corporations illustratively disclose through theISP 2 investor-oriented information that could directly affect thefirms' stock prices, such as announcements of new products to the mediaor CEOs' speeches. Described below is an example in which anannouncement is made by a corporation to the media. In this example, thecustomer A using the video camera 1 is the corporation's person incharge of IR, and the customer B represents the investors at large.

In step S50 of FIG. 18, the corporation's person in charge of IR sets upthe video camera 1 illustratively in a conference room where theannouncement is to be made to the reporters. The video camera 1 isconnected beforehand to the ISP 2 as the IR information website by useof the Internet connection account assigned to the camera system. Thesteps in which the video camera 1 and the ISP 2 establish theirconnection are substantially the same as those discussed above inconjunction with the first embodiment. That is, the video camera 1 mayfollow steps F101 through F110 in FIG. 11 while the ISP 2 may executethe steps of FIG. 12 representative of a connecting step S51 in FIG. 18.

After establishing the connection with the video camera 1, the ISP 2reaches step S52 in which the customer registration database is searchedthrough to identify the customer A using the camera ID as the accessaccount.

With the corporation's announcement launched, the customer A reachesstep S53 and starts transmitting to the ISP 2 pictures taken by thevideo camera 1 as a live picture content.

In step S54, the ISP starts receiving the picture content, extractsadded information as meta data from the transmitted content, andreferences the customer registration database in order to generate titledata about the content including the corporation's name and the timestamp.

In step S55, the ISP 2 submits the title data thus generated to the Webserver 2B for disclosure at its website.

The customer B representing the inventors browses the titles updated atthe website run by the Web server 2B (in step S57) and, if a promisingcontent is found, performs a viewing request operation such as a clickon the applicable title data presented by the Web server 2B (in stepS58).

In response, the ISP 2 reaches step S59 and relays to the customer B thelive pictures being transmitted continuously from the video camera 1.

The customer B gets the live picture content displayed at the terminalequipment, whereby the announcement on the side of the customer A can beviewed (S60).

At the end of the announcement, the customer A causes the video camera 1to stop transmitting the pictures (in step S56).

In turn, the ISP 2 stops receiving the live picture transmission (instep S61).

Thereafter, the ISP 2 places the live picture content from the videocamera 1 into the database unit 44 as a single picture file (in stepS62).

From the time that the video camera 1 starts sending the pictures instep S53 until the transmission ends in step S56, the ISP 2 records thetransmitted pictures. The recorded pictures are turned into a singlepicture file that is stored into the database unit 44 in linked relationto the title data and to the database file associated with the customerA in the customer registration database.

The customer B can view the live pictures in step S60 but the picturesare often viewed halfway into the transmission because the customer Bdoes not check the Web server 2B all the time. Needless to say, thecustomer B could sometimes miss the transmission of interest altogether.

With such eventualities taken into account, the ISP 2 keeps presentingthe title data about the picture file content at the website of the Webserver 2B.

This allows the customer B, if so desired, to view the picture contentderived from the picture file after the live transmission of thepictures has ended. Illustratively, if the customer B wishes to view thepictures from the video camera 1 from the start (or to view the picturesall over again), the customer B may perform a suitable operation such asa click on the applicable title data at the website of the Web server 2Bso as to request (in step S63) the picture file (i.e., the recordedcontent).

In response, the ISP 2 transmits the requested picture file to thecustomer B (in step S64). The transmission allows the customer B to viewthe pictures of the requested file at his or her terminal equipment (instep S65).

The picture file may be transmitted from the ISP 2 as a real-time streamof picture data to the customer B's terminal for viewing by the customerB (in a picture broadcast scheme). Alternatively, the picture fileitself may be downloaded to the customer B's terminal and written to ahard disc drive (HDD) or other suitable location so that the picturesmay later be viewed whenever desired (in a picture delivery scheme).

The customer B having viewed the picture content through the use of thissystem pays a viewing fee (in step S66). The ISP receives the payment(in step S67)

The viewing fee may be charged per content or per month (at a flat rate)depending on the contract.

The ISP 2 may also pay a content upload fee to the customer A.

In the manner described, the system of this invention helps promote thedistribution of picture contents in society. As such, the inventivesystem may also function as a simplified broadcasting system.

With the emphasis on the broadcasting function, it is not mandatory forthe video camera 1 of the system to possess the storing ability such asthe HDD 18 to accommodate picked-up picture contents.

<D> Other Variations

While some preferred embodiments of this invention have been describedabove using specific terms, such description is for illustrativepurposes only. Other alternatives, modifications and variations may beconceived and implemented without departing from the spirit or scope ofthis invention.

For example, the video camera 1 was described as the customer A'scontent transmission apparatus whereby picture contents (actually madeup of pictures and sounds) are transmitted. Alternatively, the apparatusmay transmit contents of sounds only in a content distribution systemaccording to the invention.

Specifically, the content transmission apparatus may be an audio datarecording/editing apparatus that allows the customer A to create andupload a music content. With such music contents uploaded to anddisclosed at its website, the ISP 2 may solicit potential buyers for thecontents.

In a scheme similar to the third embodiment described above, the contenttransmission apparatus may be set up in a concert hall or in aconference room to let the customer B listen to a live audio contentbeing picked up at the site.

In the typical system configuration described above, the storage unit ofthe video camera 1 and the database unit 44 of the ISP 2 were each showncomposed of a hard disc drive. However, this is not limitative of theinvention. Alternatively, the storage unit and database unit may each beconstituted by any one of diverse media: disc recording media such asDVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or CD (Compact Disc); magnetic tape media;or solid-state memory media such as a flash memory.

Furthermore, there may also exist many variations, alternatives andmodifications without departing from the spirit or scope of thisinvention as to the structure, communication establishing process, anduploading process of the video camera 1; the way the content server 2Aand Web server 2B are run at the ISP 2; and processing steps carried outby the ISP 2.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described, the content transmission apparatus according to thisinvention is implemented illustratively as a video camera furnishedbeforehand with an access account for connection to a server apparatus.The user, when taking possession of the video camera or like contenttransmission apparatus of the invention, automatically enters intocontract with the server apparatus that is typically an ISP. The contenttransmission apparatus is equipped with an ability to encode contents ina streaming format for upload purposes and an ability to connect withthe server, the abilities being implemented either integrally orindependently (e.g., in an adapter). Given these features, the contenttransmission apparatus alone can upload contents to the server in anenvironment where personal computers or communication devices areunavailable. The server apparatus, for its part, may present theuploaded contents illustratively at a website using suitable presentingmeans, whereby potential buyers of the contents are solicitedextensively.

The inventive system is thus constructed so that the contents generatedby the video camera or like equipment may be readily uploaded to theserver apparatus and that the server may extensively solicit potentialbuyers for the uploaded contents. The system thus contributesappreciably to promoting the distribution of contents in society.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A video camera comprising: contentgenerating means for generating a content for sale to content users forpayment thereof; communicating means for communicating with a serverapparatus, which solicits and mediates the sales of contents to thecontent users, via a communication network; storing means for storing anaccess account data, provided beforehand by a manufacturer of the videocamera, for access to said server apparatus; comment informationgenerating means for generating comment information corresponding tosaid content; stream encoding means for stream encoding, in acommunicable streaming format, the content generated by said contentgenerating means along with the comment information; and controllingmeans for performing a connection control operation to connect saidcommunicating means to said server apparatus using said access accountdata stored in said storing means, said controlling means furtherperforming a transmission control operation causing said stream encodingmeans to stream encode said content along with said comment informationto transmit the stream encoded content along with comment information tosaid server apparatus.
 2. The video camera according to claim 1, whereinat least one of said stream encoding means and said communicating meansis incorporated in an enclosure independent of but connectable to a mainbody of the video camera incorporating said content generating means. 3.The video camera according to claim 1, wherein said content generatingmeans includes a picture pickup unit for picking up data constituting apicture content.
 4. The video camera according to claim 1, furthercomprising recording and reproducing means for recording to a storagemedium said content generated by said content generating means andreproducing the recorded content from said storage medium; wherein saidcontrolling means performs said transmission control operation on thecontent reproduced from said storage medium by said recording andreproducing means.
 5. The video camera according to claim 4, furthercomprising editing means for editing the content generated by saidcontent generating means and recorded to said storage medium by saidrecording and reproducing means; wherein said controlling means performssaid transmission control operation on the content edited by saidediting means.
 6. The video camera according to claim 1, furthercomprising designation information supplementing means for generatingdesignation information by which to designate representative data fromwithin data constituting said content and supplementing said contentwith the generated designation information; wherein said controllingmeans performs said transmission control operation on said contentsupplemented with said designation information.
 7. The video cameraaccording to claim 1, further comprising time information supplementingmeans for generating information about a time at which said content wasgenerated and supplementing said content with the generated timeinformation; wherein said controlling means performs said transmissioncontrol operation on said content supplemented with said timeinformation.
 8. The video camera according to claim 1, furthercomprising position information supplementing means for generatinginformation about a position at which said content was generated andsupplementing said content with the generated position information;wherein said controlling means performs said transmission controloperation on said content supplemented with said position information.9. A content transmitting method for use with a video camera whichretains access account data provided beforehand by a manufacturer of thevideo camera for access to a server apparatus which solicits andmediates sales of contents to content users, said content transmittingmethod comprising the steps of: causing said video camera to generate acontent for sale to the content users for payment thereof; causing saidvideo camera to connect communicably with said server apparatus, whichsolicits and mediates sale of the content, using said access accountdata; generating comment information corresponding to said content;stream encoding, in a communicable streaming format, said contentgenerated in said content generating step along with the commentinformation; and transmitting the stream encoded content along withcomment information to said server apparatus connected communicably withsaid content transmission apparatus.
 10. A content transmitting methodaccording to claim 9, wherein the content generating step generates apicture content made up of picked-up picture data.
 11. A contenttransmitting method according to claim 9, further comprising the step ofrecording to a storage medium said content generated in the contentgenerating step; wherein the transmitting step comprises reproducing therecorded content from said storage medium before the transmission.
 12. Acontent transmitting method according to claim 11, further comprisingthe step of editing said content recorded to said storage medium in therecording step; wherein the transmitting step comprises reproducing andtransmitting said content edited in the editing step.
 13. A contenttransmitting method according to claim 9, further comprising the stepsof generating designation information by which to designaterepresentative data from within data constituting said content andsupplementing said content with said designation information thusgenerated; wherein the transmitting step transmits said contentsupplemented with said designation information.
 14. A contenttransmitting method according to claim 9, further comprising the stepsof generating information about a time at which said content wasgenerated and supplementing said content with the time information thusgenerated; wherein the transmitting step transmits said contentsupplemented with said time information.
 15. A content transmittingmethod according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of generatinginformation about a position at which said content was generated andsupplementing said content with the position information thus generated;wherein the transmitting step transmits said content supplemented withsaid position information.
 16. A content providing system comprising avideo camera and a server apparatus which solicits and mediates sales ofcontents to content users, wherein said video camera includes: contentgenerating means for generating a content for sale to the content usersfor payment thereof; communicating means for communicating with saidserver apparatus via a communication network for solicitation andmediation of the sale of the content; storing means for storing anaccess account data, provided beforehand by a manufacturer of the videocamera, for access to said server apparatus; comment informationgenerating means for generating comment information corresponding tosaid content; stream encoding means for stream encoding, in acommunicable streaming format, the content generated by said contentgenerating means along with the comment information; and controllingmeans for performing a connection control operation to connect saidcommunicating means to said server apparatus using said access accountdata stored in said storing means, said controlling means furtherperforming a transmission control operation causing said stream encodingmeans to stream encode said content along with said comment informationto transmit the stream encoded content along with comment information tosaid server apparatus; and wherein said server apparatus includes:communicating means for conducting communications over saidcommunication network; a contributor information database for storingcontributor information about video cameras each provided beforehand bymanufacturers of the video cameras with an access account; determiningmeans which, if a connection request is made to said communicatingmeans, references said contributor information database to determinewhether said connection request is coming from any one of said videocameras each provided beforehand with said access account; a storageunit; content storage controlling means which, following thedetermination by said determining means, stores into said storage unitthe content and comment information transmitted from the video cameraconnected communicably with said communicating means; presenting meansfor presenting, as a solicitation of an available content for sale, saidcontent transmitted from said video camera through said communicatingmeans; and transmission controlling means which, in response to atransmission request by an entity for said content presented by saidpresenting means, transmits said content to the requesting entitythrough said communicating means upon payment therefor.